Iran says no one can exclude it from FIFA World Cup after Trump warning

Iran's national football team has said no country or individual can prevent it from playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, responding to remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting the Iranian team's participation might pose risks to their safety.

In a post shared on social media yesterday (12 March), the Iranian team said, "Certainly no one can exclude Iran's national team from the World Cup; the only country that can be excluded is one that merely carries the title of 'host' yet lacks the ability to provide security for the teams participating in this global event."

The response came after Trump warned that it might not be appropriate for Iran to attend the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, citing concerns about the team's "life and safety" amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

In a message posted on a social media platform, he said, "The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to the World Cup, but I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety."

Responding to the remarks, Iran's national team said, "The World Cup is a global sporting event governed by FIFA rather than by any single country or individual."

"The World Cup is a historic and international event, and its governing body is FIFA -- not any individual, country. Iran's national team, with strength and a series of decisive victories achieved by the brave sons of Iran, was among the first teams to qualify for this major tournament," the team added.

The ongoing conflict, which escalated following US and Israeli strikes on 28 February, has raised uncertainty over Iran's involvement in the tournament.

Trump later posted another message seeking to reassure fans and teams, saying, "The United States of America looks very much forward to hosting the FIFA World Cup," Trump wrote. "Ticket sales are 'through the roof!'"